AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Completely normal. Deep breaths and laughter are the best ways to handle the shock. Maybe some liquor later.”
“So, um … I should probably tell you I’m about a month behind on rent. My boyfriend, he’s a priest.” I flinch, quickly shaking my head. “Was a priest. He’s looking for work, too.”
“I’m happy to loan you an advance, until everything is settled.”
“Oh. Well, I didn’t mean you had to give me an advance. I didn’t realize ...”
“It’s okay, Miss Mercier. There isn’t a financial entity in this world that would deny you a loan at this point.”
I’m trying to let that sink in, but it won’t. It can’t. How can I have struggled for so many years of my life, to one day turn around, and all of a sudden, every one of my worries just disappears? It’s not possible.
“You may want to pursue dual citizenship in the upcoming months.”
“Sure, okay. Um. Is that required to claim the inheritance?”
“No … but … you own quite a few homes in France, and there is the mansion there, as well.”
“Mansion?”
“Yes, all the property details will be discussed in a more formal setting. I’m just happy we can finally get the ball rolling.”
“Yeah, me too.”
He reaches across the table for another handshake. “Welcome to the world of wealth, Miss Mercier. I look forward to acting as your trusted advisor in the upcoming months.”
I snort again, and I can only imagine the goofy smile plastered to my face right now.
40
Damon
Istare out the window of the plane, watching Los Angeles shrink into nothing but specks and lines on a multicolored canvas. A cold, clammy hand clutches mine, and I turn to see Ivy, sitting stiff as a board, eyes clamped shut. Harsh breaths rush out of her nose while her fingers dig into my skin.
“Almost over,” I whisper, trying to hide my smile.
“I can do plane rides, just not take off.”
The pressure seems to lighten, and the seatbelt sign finally dings off.
She blows an easy breath and opens her eyes. “That’s better.”
“I told you. Piece of cake.”
She lifts our clutched hands into the air, examining them. “Sorry.” Her nails loosen their lodged hold, and she kisses the back of my hand where deep crescent grooves mark my skin. “All good now.”
“Good.”
I’ve flown firstclass before, but this is something else entirely. A private jet with plush, leather seats that fold out into beds. Flat screen TV, a bar, and a couch, too. Only seven passengers total, including the stewardess, pilots, two lawyers, and Ivy and me. I glance around and catch one of the lawyers, Thomas, staring down at papers over his spectacles. He looks up briefly to offer a smile, before going back to his work.
In spite of Ivy’s trepidation, it’s the first time in months I’ve had the opportunity to relax and breathe easy. Literally. Thanks to Gordon, I ended up with two fractured ribs that had me laid up the first couple of days. As I recovered, a part of me wished I had gone back to finish him off, though I’m fairly certain he perished within hours of being left behind. Reports from neighbors resulted in a search of the rectory and an investigation into Father Javier. As far as I know, he’s agreed to work with authorities in exchange for immunity. After finding out my real name during our walk back to Mexicali, he’s made a point not to mention my short time working for the parish, either. Fortunately, Gordon was telling the truth, and Ariceli remained unharmed, in her parents’ home, as he said.
“Meet me in the restroom,” Ivy whispers beside me.
“What? Now?”
“Yes, right now. I’ll go first, then you follow. Try not to be obvious, though.”
“Is everything okay?”
